Strong SPCC plan can reduce the likelihood of occurrence of sudden oil spills

The term “SPCC Plan,” as used in federal regulations under the Clean Water Act, stands for “Spill Prevention Control and Countermeasure Plan.” An Oil SPCC plan is a plan prepared in accordance with good engineering practices to prevent and clean up spills from oil storage tanks. “Oil” as defined in the federal regulations includes petroleum oils such as gasoline, diesel and heating oil as well as non-petroleum oils such as animal or vegetable oils, synthetic oils, and mineral oils.

An SPCC plan lists the containment equipment and structures used to prevent spills from reaching ground water or surface water, and it identifies the inspection, monitoring and oil transfer procedures that will be followed to prevent a spill. The SPCC Plan applies to non-transportation-related onshore or offshore facilities engaged in drilling, producing, gathering, storing, processing, refining, transferring, distributing, using or consuming oil and oil products.

The federal SPCC plan requirements apply specifically to oil storage facilities with an aggregate storage capacity greater than 1,320 gallons and where a discharge could reach a navigable water body, either directly or indirectly. Any oil storage container or tank that is 55 gallons or larger in size counts towards the total aggregate storage capacity. Most areas in Maine are considered locations where a discharge could reach navigable waters.

SPCC Plan Requirements

• The SPCC Plan must fulfill all applicable requirements of 40 CFR 112.
• Facilities must maintain a copy of the SPCC Plan onsite.
• Facilities must implement the procedures outlined in the SPCC Plan.
• The SPCC Plan must be reviewed and updated every 5 years.

Author-Bio

If a spill occurs, a well-developed Oil SPCC plan will identify whom to call, and will specify steps, or “countermeasures,” to contain the spill and minimize environmental impacts. With strong SPCC plan in place, accidental oil spills are far less likely to occur. At Quest Consultants, you will be provided with complete SPCC services and training for development of well organized SPCC plan so that the danger caused by sudden oil spills to the environment can be prevented. For more details on this topic, visit http://www.questinc2.com/.

Necessary components of a Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plan (SWPPP)

The SWPPP must include the following components:

• A description of the construction activities and the potential for sediment and other pollutant discharges from the site.
• Maps showing the locations of all surface waters, including wetlands, stormwater ponds or basins within one mile of the site.
• Areas of the site that will drain to a public water the Department of Natural Resources has promulgated “work in water restrictions” for fish spawning timeframes.
• A determination whether surface waters within one mile of the site are special or impaired for one of the construction-related parameters and additional or enhanced BMPs that will be utilized to address the special or impaired waters.
• Stormwater pollution mitigation measures to be utilized as a result of an environmental review.
• Additional measures needed at the site to address karst or drinking water supply management areas.
• Training documentation for all individuals required to be trained in associated duties in regard to the SWPPP.
• A site map showing both the existing and final grades, including direction of flow and pre and post drainage area divides. The site map must also include locations of steep slopes, impervious surfaces, soil types, and pollutant-generating activities (building products, pesticides, herbicides, fertilizer, treatment chemicals, hazardous materials, solid waste, portable toilets, etc.).
• Estimated quantities of all erosion prevention and sediment control BMPs to be used for the life of the project.
• Stormwater design specifications and calculations for stormwater management systems, including the number of acres of existing and new impervious surfaces.

The following factors must be accounted for in design of BMPs to be used at the site:

• the amount, frequency, intensity and duration of precipitation.
• stormwater runoff and run-on and expected flow from impervious surfaces.
• slope lengths and steepness, the site location and drainage features.
• flow rate and volume of channelized flow.
• soil types.
• Timing of installation for all erosion prevention and sediment control BMPs and permanent stormwater management systems.
• Location and type of all permanent and temporary erosion prevention and sediment control BMPs to be installed at the site along with procedures to establish additional BMPs as necessary.
• A description of methods to be used for site dewatering and basin draining.
• Areas not to be disturbed on the site, including the location of buffer zones.
• Locations of areas to be phased to minimize duration of exposed soils.
• Methods to minimize soil compaction and preserve top soil at the site.
• Methods used to achieve final stabilization.Image Courtesy of Emmons & Olivier Resources, Inc.

The NPDES permit requires that all erosion and sediment BMPS be clearly outlined in a site’s SWPPP. Changes made throughout construction should be documented in the SWPPP.

• Documentation why certain design requirements or SWPPP components are not feasible and the methods to be substituted as allowable by the permit.
• A maintenance plan for permanent stormwater treatment systems, including who will maintain the system.
• A description of pollution prevention measures for storage, handling and disposal of hazardous materials, solid waste, concrete and equipment wash water, portable toilets, construction products and materials.
• Plans for proper use of sediment treatment chemicals (polymers, flocculants, etc.).
• A description of inspection and maintenance activities and record keeping.
• Procedures for terminating permit coverage.

Author – Bio

It is very important to understand the necessary components of SWPPP so as to prepare and implement an effective SWPPP plan. Quest Consultants & Associate’s SWPPP Professionals all have the expertise to assist clients in better understanding all aspects of SWPPP management through onsite training and education services. Please visit http://www.questinc2.com/for more complete details on SWPPP.

Preparation of SPCC plan for a small business facility

Any small business that maintains a total aboveground oil storage capacity of greater than 1,320 gallons, or a total undergrounds oil storage capacity of greater than 42,000 gallons, where there is a reasonable potential for a discharge to reach navigable waters is subject to SPCC regulatory requirements.

Aboveground storage containers with a capacity of 55-gallons or more are included in the aboveground capacity threshold calculation. Underground storage tanks regulated under 40 CFR 280 and 281 are not subject to the SPCC regulations.

A facility is subject to the SPCC regulations if it could be reasonably expected that oil discharged from the facility would reach navigable waters. This determination is based upon considerations of the geography and terrain (such as proximity to navigable waters or adjoining shorelines, land contour, drainage patterns, and types of soil and rock). It should be noted that manmade features that act as secondary containment and that serve to restrain, hinder, contain, or otherwise prevent a discharge are excluded from consideration in this determination.

A small business facility must prepare a SPCC Plan if it has an aggregate aboveground storage capacity of greater than 1,320 gallons where spilled oil may reasonably be expected to reach navigable waters. Only containers of oil with a capacity of 55-gallons or greater are counted toward this aggregate capacity threshold.

An SPCC plan is also required if a small business facility has a completely buried storage capacity of greater than 42,000 gallons of oil that may reasonably be expected to reach navigable waters if discharged. (Note this does not apply tounderground storage tanks regulated under 40 CFR 280 and 281).

The small business is required to prepare a SPCC Plan, and have the plan certified by a Registered Professional Engineer, or be selfcertified if it is a qualified facility.

The SPCC Plan must clearly address the following:

• Operating procedures to prevent oil spills;
• Control measures to prevent a spill from reaching navigable waters; and
• Countermeasures to contain, clean up, and mitigate the effects of an oil spill that reaches navigable waters.

Author – Bio :

Although a SPCC plan must have the above information, each SPCC plan will be unique to the specific facility, operations, and location. Development of an SPCC Plan requires detailed knowledge of the facility, including the location and capacity of oil-based storage, and the potential effects an oil spill could have on the area environment and natural resources. Quest Consultants provides SPCC sevices to its clients and also assists them in better understanding of SPCC plan. Please visit http://www.questinc2.com/for more insights.

Knowledge of SPCC is essential for Oil-handling employees

A facility is covered by the SPCC rule if it has an aggregate aboveground oil storage capacity greater than 1,320 U.S. gallons or a completely buried storage capacity greater than 42,000 U.S. gallons and there is a reasonable expectation of an oil discharge into or upon navigable waters of the U.S. or adjoining shorelines. A facility that stores, processes, refines, uses or consumes oil and is non-transportation-related is potentially subject to the SPCC rule.

Steps that a facility owner/ operator can take to prevent oil spills include:

• Using containers suitable for the oil stored. For example, use a container designed for flammable liquids to store gasoline;
• Providing overfill prevention for your oil storage containers. You could use a high-level alarm or audible vent;
• Providing sized secondary containment for bulk storage containers, such as a dike or a remote impoundment. The containment needs to hold the full capacity of the container plus possible rainfall. The dike may be constructed of earth or concrete. A double-walled tank may also suffice;
• Providing general secondary containment to catch the most likely oil spill where you transfer oil to and from containers and for mobile refuelers and tanker trucks. For example, you may use sorbent materials, drip pans or curbing for these areas; and Periodically inspecting and testing pipes and containers. You need to visually inspect aboveground pipes and oil containers according to industry standards; buried pipes need to be leak tested when they are installed or repaired. Include a

written record of inspections in the Plan.

Prepare and implement an SPCC Plan:

The owner or operator of the facility must develop and implement an SPCC Plan that describes oil handling operations, spill prevention practices, discharge or drainage controls, and the personnel, equipment and resources at the facility that are used to prevent oil spills from reaching navigable waters or adjoining shorelines.

Although each SPCC Plan is unique to the facility, there are certain elements that must be described in every Plan including:

• Operating procedures at the facility to prevent oil spills;
• Control measures (such as secondary containment) installed to prevent oil spills from entering navigable waters or adjoining shorelines; and
• Countermeasures to contain, cleanup, and mitigate the effects of an oil spill that has impacted navigable waters or adjoining shorelines. Every SPCC Plan must be prepared in accordance with good engineering practices.

Every SPCC Plan must be certified by a Professional Engineer unless the owner/operator is able to, and chooses to, self- certify the Plan. No matter who certifies your SPCC Plan, remember that ultimately the owner or operator is responsible for complying with the rule.

Author – Bio :

Oil-handling employees must be trained. Training topics must include operation and maintenance of equipment to prevent the discharge of oil; discharge procedure protocols; applicable pollution control laws; rules and regulations; general facility operations; and the contents of the facility SPCC plan. The professionals of Quest Consultants assist clients in better understanding of all aspects of a SPCC plan. The purpose of our training is to help prepare and inform clients on the required information and tasks needed to be SPCC compliant. Visit http://www.questinc2.com/ to know more about SPCC plan requirements, SPCC regulations and other useful information about SPCC plan.

Preparation and implementation of a Storm Water Pollution Prevention Plan (SWPPP) for a construction project

The SWPPP must be prepared before construction commences, ideally during the project planning and design phases. It is recommended that for large sites, the SWPPP be included as part of the bid package. Implementation of the SWPPP begins with the onset of construction activities, as the initial phase of construction is usually clearing and grubbing of the site, which exposes the area to uncontrolled stormwater runoff. Inspection and maintenance of best management practices occurs throughout the life of the construction project and until the site is stabilized.

Development of SWPPP and SWPPP implementation

These phases are designed to identify SWPPP procedures at both preconstruction (development) and construction (implementation) phases.

Development of SWPPP

• Collect site information
• Develop site plan
• Select Best Management Practices
• Prepare a site map
• Prepare a monitoring, inspection, and maintenance plan

Implementation of SWPPP

The implementation stage occurs during the commencement of construction and consists of implementation BMPs, SWPPP review and modifications, and final stabilization of the site.

SWPPP Implementation

• Submit Notice of Intent
• Implement controls
• SWPPP review and modifications
• Final Stabilization
• Notice of Termination

SWPPP KY(Kentucky Storm Water Pollution Prevention Plan) Requirements

The Kentucky CGP mandates operators to plan and implement appropriate and adequate practices to manage the discharge of stormwater runoff from construction related activities. Permittees are required to develop a Storm Water Pollution Prevention Plan (SWPPP) and implement the SWPPP at the beginning of the construction disturbance. In accordance with Federal and state regulations, as well as their SWPPP, owners and operators are also encouraged to develop measures that eliminate or minimize post-construction stormwater runoff, such as low-impact development (LID) technologies.

The Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plan (SWPPP) must include: (1) site description that identifies sources of pollution found on the site premises; (2) site map; (3) erosion prevention measures; (4) sediment control measures; (5) Best Management Practices (BMPs) to prevent the discharge of stormwater pollutants from the construction site into water bodies of the state; (6) continual maintenance of stormwater controls; (7) inspection schedules; and (8) plans to achieve post-construction final stabilization. Best Management Practices (BMPs) included in the SWPPP are required to be appropriately selected based on specific site conditions, as well as properly installed and maintained to effectively minimize discharges from storm events up to and including a 2 year, 24 hour event.

Within their Construction General Permit (CGP), The Kentucky Division of Water (DOW) has mandated additional “protective requirements” for construction activities discharging to “High Quality Waters” (waters requiring anti-degradation review). Along with erosion prevention measures, sediment control measures and site Best Management Practices (BMPs), owners or operators discharging into high quality waters must install erosion control mats/blankets, mulch, straw stabilized with tackifiers, buffers and retention basins capable of withstanding a 2 year, 24 hour rain event.

Author – Bio :

 

A successful SWPPP identifies the issues of concern before construction begins and is also adaptable for the many unexpected changes that come about with every construction project. Planning ahead is the most effective way to minimize erosion and sedimentation during construction and reduce project costs. A well organized and planned out SWPPP will assist in the prevention of unnecessary permit violations and save the owner and contractor time, money, and effort over the course of the project.

At Quest Consultants & Associate, we provide best SWPPP services to our clients. Our federal stormwater experts are experienced in the development of SWPPPs for industrial facilities. Please visit our website for more information.

Preventing damages caused by stormwater pollution through proper implementation of SWPPP plan

The SWPPP plan is the most common requirement under your facility’s NPDES permit – typically a stormwater discharge permit. NPDES stormwater permit requires that you prepare and implement an SWPPP plan to describe your facility and its potential for causing stormwater pollution, as well as the steps and practices you will be implementing to reduce or eliminate that stormwater pollution. Those steps and practices collectively are called BMPs (or Best Management Practices). NPDES stormwater permit has a list of required stormwater BMPs that you must implement, such as stormwater training, inspections – and spill prevention and cleanup. Virtually all stormwater permit requirements say that if you are subject to the Federal SPCC regulations, you can reference it in your SWPPP as providing sufficient documentation with regards to spill prevention and control.

SWPPP Roles and Responsibilities

The operator has the lead for developing and implementing the SWPPP and commiting resources to implement the BMPs. Stormwater pollution control is typically the job of more than a single person; the SWPPP development process provides a good opportunity to define roles and responsibilities of everyone involved. Roles and responsibilities are to be documented clearly in the SWPPP and subcontractor agreements as necessary.

SWPPP should describe:

• Who is on the stormwater pollution prevention team?
• Who will install structural stormwater controls?
• Who will supervise and implement good housekeeping programs, such as site cleanup and disposal of trash and debris, hazardous material management and disposal, vehicle and equipment maintenance, and so on?
• Who will conduct routine inspections of the site to ensure all BMPs are being implemented and maintained?
• Who will maintain the BMPs?
• Who is responsible for documenting changes to the SWPPP?
• Who is responsible for communicating changes in the SWPPP to people working on the site?

When you apply for your stormwater permit, the application may ask for a SWPPP contact. This could be the construction site operator, but in many cases it’s a staff person (e.g., project superintendent, field manager, construction manager, stormwater compliance officer) at the construction site who is responsible for conducting inspections, ensuring BMPs are installed and maintained, and updating the SWPPP when necessary.

Author Bio :

The SWPPP lays out the steps and techniques you will use to reduce pollutants in stormwater runoff leaving your construction site. Therefore, proper development and implementation of your SWPPP is crucial. SWPPP must be developed and implemented consistent with the requirements of the applicable NPDES stormwater construction permit. Quest Consultants evaluate each facility and designed cost effective Best Management Practices (BMPs) based on potential pollutant sources for your SWPPP. To know more, please visit http://www.questinc2.com/.

Preventing threat to human health and environment through WWTP management

Nature has an amazing ability to cope with small amounts of water wastes and pollution, but it would be overwhelmed if we didn’t treat the billions of gallons of wastewater and sewage produced every day before releasing it back to the environment. If pollutants in wastewater are not removed, they flow directly into our waterways. This can threaten public health, fisheries, wildlife habitat, recreation opportunities and ultimately, our quality of life.

Wastewater requires treatment to remove pollutants prior to discharge. The major aim of wastewater treatment is to remove as much of the suspended solids as possible before the remaining water, called effluent, is discharged back to the environment.

A substantial amount of the pollution generated by wastewater management activities can be prevented. In preventing pollution, Wastewater treatment plant or WWTP can serve as role models for its residential, commercial, and industrial customers. Wastewater treatment plant (WWTP) can also help or require dischargers to reduce its own toxic discharges to sewers through education, on site assistance, and regulatory programs.

Using advanced WWTP Management technology it is now possible to re-use sewage effluent for drinking water. The main goal of WWTP is to eventually produce water that can be reused for various purposes or disposes of in a more ecological and healthy way. Some wastewater treatment methods produce water in very high purification level that can irrigate agricultural produce, other methods produce water that can be flowed to water sources with no bio-hazard. There are wastewater treatment methods that eliminates any sediments (remains of human waste for example) by biological processes while other still leave the treatment plant with sludge or waste byproducts that need disposing of.

Author Bio :

If wastewater is not properly treated, then the environment and human health can be negatively impacted. Wastewater Treatment Plant (WWTP) reduce pollutants in wastewater to a level nature can handle. WWTP helps in the treatment of wastewater and thus plays a vital role in protecting environment and human health. WWTP management is necessary because it is the process that removes chemical and biological wastes in contaminated waters, thereby permitting the reuse of the water in other applications. At Quest Consultants, we will customize an on-site WWTP Management service for your WWTP to meet and surpass your facilities regulatory treatment requirements to assure compliance with all State and Federal regulations. Please Visit http://www.questinc2.com/for more useful information about WWTP and WWTP management.

Do you know the benefits of SPCC OH plan?

A SPCC OH plan is a report that ought to be arranged out by the holder of any oil storeroom to check out what steps are to be taken for the treatment of oil, what to do if spills happen, what spillage or release controls are there to take up, who is in control, and what property and gear may be connected into use to keep any oil slicks from the base touching at the coastline or is there any probability of getting included with movement ways. The SPCC OH strategies must be dynamic as demonstrated by seen arranging standard.

Oil slicks are a risk to the welfare of the broad group, muddled drinking water, ruin trademark stakes and in this way creating unsettling impacts in the economy. The United States utilizes a decent range steps of oil for warming, fuel for vehicles and for the operation of various machines. For the most part, oil is spilled from storage spaces or while being transported, or amidst the course of examination or time strategies and it wind up dousing into the domain or being consumed by water channels and streams.

It is a conceded truth that specifically all petro affiliations don’t go under its space, those plants holding 1320 gallons over the ground or having cutoff of 42,00o gallons of secured stockpiling capacitor it having been found in a certain geographical district where there is each plausibility of discharging navigable waters into US sea lines and joining degrees must affect readied to be in SPCC OH. A supported expert must guarantee the plan of a chief committed in such practice.

All secured business concerns must take after the SPCC KY runs by keeping oil from spilling and by setting up and after their SPCC KY. A portion of the steps a director or official can start a venture to keep oil from spilling join; use proper holders for the set away oil, utilize an alarm framework to outline stuff, give stronghold parameter measures to mass stockpiling vessels that can hold an enormous spill from the vessel regardless of any precipitation, if utilizing a dike, this ought to be made from cement or earth. It would be more than sufficient to utilize a tank with two fold dividers.

The working environment for such SPCC TN advancement must be offered contemplations to a few variables like the land locale and should be bordering water bodies. Bordering this, there are a couple of other human related variables that need to suffice to make the advancement arrangement work out. It should be sufficed with a manager and an official to control such affiliation gave. Certain framework is additionally required for instance, making, entering, securing, and passing on, masterminding, social occasion, and trading, and using or weakening oil things.

Creator Bio

Pollution or dirtying is becoming every day deliberate. There are diverse explanations behind which such contamination happens. Close by the standard pollution issues, case in point, smoke and others, a substitute reason has come up… and that is oil. The reasonable arrangements have additionally come up that are trying to battle the potential outcomes. Know more inconspicuous parts visit our site. SPCC OH.